The Arlingtarian

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UUCA Upcoming Events -

Events have been moved and consolodated! Find all upcoming future church events in the UUCA Events List and interactive UUCA Events Calendar. Most of the events you normally found in the newsletter have been moved into this list.

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Keep in Your Thoughts

Inge Gaberman is home recovering from knee surgery. She would appreciate cards and phone calls.

Coffee House

Friday, February 2, 8 p.m.
All are invited to join in a very special Coffee House celebrating Art and the Spirit. If you’d like to perform (songs, poems, stories, comedy, dance) email beth.rager@accenture.com.

 

Congregational Conversations

Wednesday, February 7, 7:30-9:00 pm:
“How Hard Is it to Be Green”
With Rev. Michael McGee
How can we be a Green Sanctuary? What does it take to be environmentally sensitive in our church practices? How about our personal lives – how green can we be? Join the Team Ministers and members of the Green Sanctuary Committee for a heartfelt conversation about protecting our planet, one kilowatt at a time.      

Drumming with Stream

This dynamic monthly drum jam, led by local musician Stream Ohrstrom, combines energizing and healing fun with drum instruction, singing, rhythmic challenges, and laughter. All are welcome. No previous experience necessary. $40 for 10 sessions or $10 per session. Extra drums are available for use or bring your own drum. For more information, please contact Becky Lanning at 703-534-4547.

Guatemalan Update From PAG

UUCA officially begins its role this month as a Sponsoring Community in collaboration with NISGUA (Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala).  In the effort to raise awareness about the past and present in Guatemala and to raise the funds necessary to support the work of a human rights Accompanier there, the response of UUCA friends and members has been astounding! Fourteen households have hosted a showing of The Rainmakers, 86 individuals have contributed time, money and resources to the project more than $8000 has been raised (as of January 1).

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ESOL: A Hands-On Social Action Effort

UUCA's English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program is going strong as it enters its seventh year.  We offer free "drop-in" classes (two hours each, Monday through Thursday evenings) for adults from other countries who live in or near Arlington. These are men and women who already know some basic English but really want and need to practice and improve their speaking, reading, writing, and comprehension skills in order to qualify for better jobs, communicate with their children s teachers, converse with American-born friends, or generally make a better life for themselves.

            At this point, our success means we need more volunteers. You don t have to have teaching experience; you do need a real interest in helping these bright and motivated students learn the language you already speak fluently.  If you could commit one evening a week, or one every other week, even just between now and June, we could use your help.  Teach alone or with a teaching partner – it's your choice. We have many teaching materials, suggestions, and resources.

            If you have the time and the interest, we need you, and we’d love to tell you more. Just give a call to Ann Kurzius (703-241-1685) or Derek Singer (703-528-6891).

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A UUA National Conference

NOW IS THE TIME -

Leading Congregations Into a Multiracial, Multicultural Future  February 16-18, Key Bridge Marriott, Arlington

Rev. William G. Sinkford, President of the UUA, will take part in the opening and welcome on Friday. Registration deadline is January 16. To register, pick up a registration form at the Journey Toward Wholeness table in Fellowship Hall or visit http://www.uua.org/cde/nowisthetime2007. For further information, contact Becca Lovelace at 703-931-1933.

Leadership Council Meeting & Training

Sat., Feb. 10, 9 -11:30 a.m.
The program leaders of the church are invited to report on the progress, or lack of, of their programs during the past few months and plans they have for the rest of the year.  There will also be an opportunity for training in a critical area of leadership.

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Coming in February: Original Drama ‘The Witness’

The Witness, an original drama written by Martha Boesing, will be presented Saturday evening, February 17, as part of UUCA’s Installation Weekend activities. The play follows the journey of a young woman as it leads her onto the streets. It will introduce us to the work of the Faithful Fools Street Ministry, base community of Rev. Mary McKinnon Ganz, who will be installed as UUCA’s Team Minister for Community Building (Sunday, February 18 at 4 p.m.).

             In The Witness, based on the 10 ox-herding pictures of ancient Buddhist tradition, the heroine (Sarah Weideman) comes to understand that she must look at the assumptions of her own mind before she can enter wholeheartedly into the community of all living beings. Before the production a simple supper will be served. There will be a conversation afterwards with Rev. Dr. Kay Jorgensen and Carmen Barsody, OSF, co-founders of the Faithful Fools, and representatives of the Arlington Street Peoples Assistance Network (A-SPAN).

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AUCP Open House

Arlington Unitarian Cooperative Preschool invites prospective students and parents to an open house on Saturday, February 3, 10 a.m. to noon. The priority period for UUCA's registered friends and members is from February 5 to16. Applications will be placed in a lottery.  Forms will be available at the open house or online at www.aucpva.org.  For questions, contact AUCP's Beth Stewart at 703-538-5665.

“Creative Conversation - Folks with Tots”

A new group is forming for parents with young children, infants and toddlers. The group is designed to be a network for primarily stay-at-home parents to meet one another and share their stories. Infants and children will have an open playroom.  The group is co-facilitated by Shannon Lynch and Rev. Linda Olson Peebles, who raises specific topics for discussion. Ideas for topics may center on books, artistic expression, spiritual journeys, personal development, parenting skills, career goals, etc. The group meets each Wednesday, from 3 to 4:30 pm.  If you are interested in participating, please email reasst@uucava.org. Questions? Contact rev.linda.peebles@uucava.org.

Guest at Your Table Boxes

Please remember to bring in your Guest at Your Table boxes, with your donations of money for the families around the world served by the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee.  Drop your boxes off in the upper or lower level foyers the next time you're in church.  If your donation is more than $25, you qualify to be a member of UUSC, so please be sure to fill out the name and address flap.

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ISDG To Shine Spotlight on Roma, Europe’s Most Abused People

Wednesday, January 17 (UUCA Board Room, 7:30 p.m.)
The January meeting of the International Study and Discussion Group will look at the eight million Roma people (gypsies) who live in Europe. They migrated from the Indian subcontinent some 1000 years ago, but only about 10 percent are still nomadic.  They’ve managed to preserve their distinctive culture and (unwritten) language despite centuries of hatred, persecution, and ostracism (almost half a million perished during the Holocaust). In the past year there's been a new epidemic of mob attacks and police-backed violent evictions of Roma from their settlements in central and eastern Europe--and even in Britain, France, Spain, and Italy.  
            Still, it’s not all doom and gloom for the Roma, who are beginning to fight back: getting politically organized within the European Union, combating school segregation, battling for tenancy rights and legalization of their settlements, and pressing for representation on local councils and national parliaments.
            Our discussion leader will be Ann Kurzius, who has been fascinated by gypsy culture—the reality behind the stereotypes--since meeting the Roma during her travels to Croatia, Serbia, and Romania . Come for an evening of lively discussion, with a little Roma music and food to get us into the spirit! Call Derek for more information (703/528-6891).

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Artist Workshop

Thur., Jan. 25, 2 to 5 pm -- Reeb Hall Art Studio
Artists need to bring all their own supplies, portable easel, if needed, etc. and clean up materials. A sink and table and wall space will be available. Bring push pins to work on the wall.  This event is free, but space is limited. For more information or to reserve a space, please contact Alice at 703-875-3117 or alicewhealin@yahoo.com.

 

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QUUest Gallery

"Recent Landscape Photographs"
UUCA’s resident photographer, Dave Tilson, will present some of his latest landscape photographs beginning January 15. This show includes color and black and white photographs. Dave has helped record life at UUCA through photos since the 1960's. Five years ago he switched from conventional film photography to a professional digital format and hasn’t looked back since. Check out this show and you’ll see what we mean. Dave will be available for a “meet the artist” between services on Sunday, Feb. 4.

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Labyrinth Walk Schedule

(Short Reiki sessions available upon request)

Friday, February 9, 2007, 7 to 8:30 pm - Fellowship Hall

Sunday, March 4, 2007, 4 to 6 pm - Activity Room

More Labyrinth information.

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